Dodge Grand Caravan ball joint problems

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Transmission · IN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while diving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where unknown repairs were made at the consumer's expense; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the driveshaft was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, approximately 3 months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion where the transmission, control arms, and driveshaft were replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. In addition, the contact stated that while in reverse there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Suspension · 34,315 miles · PA

I was traveling with my family of 4, back from a vacation. Traveling at about 65 MPH with traffic on wet interstate highway. 2 lane highway transitioned from black top to a concrete bridge, slight bump. We heard a loud crack and thud, and the rear of vehicle began to go sideways, as I fought for control. Braking caused the vehicle to further become unstable until I reduced speed and slowly pulled off the busy road and found the damage. The left side control arm of the beam axel assembly cracked and the suspension on the left side was only attached via the shock and coil spring. We slowly exited the highway and limped to a gas station to park and call for a long distance tow to my servicing dealer by my home 135 miles away. We needed an uber and a rental car to get back home. Van is currently parked at my dealer, awaiting for a technician to get it looked at as of 4/12/2021

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Steering · 66,700 miles · NV

Drivers side tie rod snapped at thread area of the tie rod

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · Steering · 21,566 miles · GA

The tie rod on the right, passenger side, tire of this vehicle broke while driving. This was a rental car.

Filed Jan 3, 2018 · Suspension, Wheels · 1,800 miles · TX

I had suspension work completed on my vehicle (inner/outer tie rods, rack and pinion and control arms replaced by a shop) after driving back to texas I noticed both front tires were extremely worn and was close to a blow out. I contacted the shop about it and they refused to work with me. After taking my vehicle to a local repair shop the mechanic stated that the alignment appeared to not have been done and that the specs was off the charts. The mechanic contacted the shop that made the initial repairs and they denied not completing an alignment. I've had this vehicle for over 11 years and my tires have never worn this fast and it didn't happen until this repair shop did the suspension work on my vehicle. The shop needs to be investigated for unsafe maintenance practices. Their maintenance and lack of safety standards put the safety of my family in jeopardy, and they're still in denial of any wrong doing nor are they willing to provide me specs of the alignment they said they did. Photos are attached.

Filed Jul 16, 2012 · Brakes · 57,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to shake as the contact was depressing the brake pedal. The contact noticed the brakes would hesitate to respond and there was also a burning smell present. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician replaced the front brakes, the hubs, the wheel bearings and the tie rod. After the repairs the contact noticed that the rear brakes would hesitate to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic advised the contact that the brake pads and rotors would have to be replaced due to excessive corrosion and pitting. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Dec 15, 2011 · Suspension · 171,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge grand caravan. The contact heard a clunking noise when he applied pressure to the brakes. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the lower control arm pivot bolt was fractured. The dealer informed the contact that his VIN was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 01v152000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) and offered no further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. No repairs were performed. The current and the failure mileages were 171,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2011 · Brakes, Steering · MI

2007 dodge grand caravan. Consumer writes in regards to problem with tie rods *tgw also, the ABS sensor was replaced.

Filed Mar 4, 2011 · Steering · 54,000 miles · MA

Bought a used 2005 grand caravan 4 months ago. Took it to the dealership today to have the airbag sensor replaced (recall item). The dealership did a "courtesy inspection" for and found a leak in the power steering rack, play in the left tie rod, and a left front axle seal. The vehicle only has 54,000 miles on it so this should not be failing this soon (as I see it is with many other peoples' vehicles).

Filed Feb 10, 2011 · Steering · 52,147 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 65 MPH, she noticed that the tire blew out. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed her that the tie rod was worn and needed to be replaced. The local private replaced all four tie rods. The dealer informed the contact that there were no related recalls and did not offer any additional assistance. The manufacturer advised her to call the federal safety agency and file a complaint. The current mileage was 56,675 and the failure mileage was 52,147.